Do we sometimes get better?

[dand]

When I first started on cpap back in the summer, my ahi was consistently higher than 10 and the 90% pressure was 9 or more. (The pressure range is set between 6 and 11.) Now, the ahi is always below 5; the 90% pressure is approx 7. Of course, I've changed masks a couple of times since the beginning and have gotten more accustomed to sleeping with hoses and such. So, I don't know if the improvement is just me getting acclimated to sleeping with cpap or if the apnea condition has actually physically improved. I'd be interested in hearing some opinions and what others have experienced in their own therapy.

dand

[rested gal]

Of course, I've changed masks a couple of times since the beginning and have gotten more accustomed to sleeping with hoses and such. So, I don't know if the improvement is just me getting acclimated to sleeping with cpap or if the apnea condition has actually physically improved.

I'd place my bet on your having put some of the treatment puzzle pieces together and probably getting less leaks, better treatment. I think you nailed it when you mentioned changing masks.

Also, many short sessions like what most people do in the beginning...using their machine and mask only an hour or two then not using it the remainder of the night...can skew the AHI upward.

Unless you've had a very significant weight loss, the improvement in your AHI is probably a reflection of your having worked out mask, hose, and "getting used to this crazy new way of trying to sleep" issues.

Except for weight loss, I've not read of there being physical improvements other than possibly some small improvements in the soft palate and back of throat, if those areas were significantly irritated by heavy snoring that has disappeared while using cpap.

Oh...just thought of another thing that could make for some physical improvement of the airway. Apparently quite a few people with OSA also suffer from acid reflux. Rising acid can also irritate the back of throat, vocal cords, etc. Some have reported on the forum that their GERD symptoms have gone away after being on cpap for awhile. Without the heaving struggle to breathe while an apnea is in progress, I guess they are not compressing the stomach and pushing acid up as much.

Glad to hear treatment is going well for you!